Heating bowl for a hookah

ABSTRACT

A heating bowl comprising an outer wall and an inner wall which define a chamber. The inner wall has a side portion, a bottom portion and a top portion which connects the inner all with the outer wall which define a cavity. An extension can protrude from the bottom portion of the inner wall. The extension and the inner wall comprise a plurality of holes which connect the cavity with the chamber. The number and placement of holes allow the user to get a better draw of smoke with each inhalation, and thus, a better smoking experience.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/318,112 titled “Heating Bowl for a Hookah” and having a filing date of Mar. 9, 2023, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates generally to water pipe smoking system known as hookah, more particularly a hookah that pulls a higher concentrate of smoke evenly into the base from the bowl.

BACKGROUND

A hookah or water pipe is a smoking device that has been used for centuries to smoke shisha. Shisha is flavored tobacco products, various herbs, or mixtures of both. Generally, a hookah directs the smoke generated from the shisha through water for cooling and filtration purposes. Undesirable smoke byproducts such as tar, oil, ashes, carbon monoxide, and the like are absorbed or separated in the water before the smoke is inhaled by the user.

Typically, a hookah has a single tobacco bowl mounted at the top of a stem which is substantially between the bowl and a vase wherein the stem can connect the bowl to the base. The vase has a chamber that can be filled with water wherein a stem can be connected to the bowl by a grommet. The stem is usually hollow and can extends downward from the bowl into the vase with the stem's lowermost extremity is immersed in water. A flexible hose is connected to and extends outward from the vase of the hookah by a hose port. A mouthpiece is attached at the distal end of the flexible hose through which the user can inhale the smoke. Shisha is placed in the bowl. The bowl is then covered with a piece of foil paper having multiple holes. A piece of hot charcoal is then placed on top of the foil paper to heat the shisha within the bowl without making direct contact with the shisha. Direct contact between the hot charcoal and the shisha can lead to burning rather than heating, or smoking. As the shisha is heated, it generates smoke. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece attached to the flexible hose, the smoke is drawn from the bowl through the stem tube and into the water. The smoke then passes upwards though the water in the form of bubbles. When sufficient smoke is collected above the water, it passes through the flexible hose to the user for inhalation. As the smoke is drawn through the water, it is filtered and cooled to make the smoking experience pleasant and enjoyable for the user.

The primary mechanism of a hookah is the inhalation of the human smoker from the mouthpiece to create the vacuum or negative pressure required to draw smoke through the filtering and cooling water. The vacuum or negative pressure in turn influences the combustion rate of the shisha. The flavors of the smoke from the shisha can be influenced by the combustion rate. Unlike smoke from a hookah, smoke from cigarettes is filled with products of combustion, many of which are known carcinogens. Furthermore, smoking a hookah is preferred over smoking cigarettes or cigars because of the flavorful taste and cool temperature of the smoke. Typically, shisha used with a hookah includes a mixture of shredded tobacco leaf mixed with a sweetener such as honey, molasses, or semi-dried fruit. However, smoking tobacco from a hookah poses a challenge with the amount of smoke and the consistency of smoke available for inhalation. In addition, the typical hookah bowl allows for the shisha to burn unevenly causing the shisha to burn unevenly or burn causing the shisha to taste burnt.

As the user draws the smoke from the shisha from the bowl to the vase the amount of smoke available for inhalation is influenced by the amount of air that flows through the shisha upon inhalation of the user. Unfortunately, most tobacco bowls do not allow for a consistent burn of the shisha and substantial amount of airflow for the smoke with each inhalation which limits the draw the user can create. Therefore, there is a need for a hookah bowl that allows the user, when inhaling the smoke, to put a consistent draw throughout the whole on smoke allowing for an even burn on the shisha.

SUMMARY

A chamber can be defined by an outer wall and an inner wall wherein the inner wall has a bottom portion and a side portion wherein the outer wall can be connected to the inner wall by a top portion. An extension can protrude from the bottom portion of the inner wall wherein a cavity can be defined within the heating body by the inner wall and the extension. A plurality of holes can be located in the inner wall and the extension wherein a negative pressure in the chamber will draw a smoke from the cavity into the chamber through the holes. The inner wall may also define a cavity which can be for placing shisha. The inner wall may have a side portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the inner wall may be protruding into the cavity creating an extension of the bottom portion of the inner wall. A plurality of holes may be in the side of the inner wall, and the extension. These holes may connect the chamber to the cavity.

In one embodiment the extension is substantially the entire bottom of the inner wall, but the extension may also be a smaller portion of the bottom portion of the inner wall. The outer wall may be integral with the inner wall, or they may be separate pieces. They may be comprised of the same or different materials. Similarly, the inner wall may be integral with the extension, or they may be separate pieces. They may be comprised of the same or different materials. In one embodiment they are comprised of clay, but they may be comprised of any heat resistant material such as, silicone, glass, porcelain, metal or the like. The extension protruding into the cavity can create a generally ring-shaped cavity. The heating bowl is configured to be heated by an open flame, such as, for example, by a piece of charcoal.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for” and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . , without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 a is a front view of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of the front view of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a heating bowl attached to a hookah in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 a is a top view of another embodiment of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 6 b is a top view of another embodiment of a heating bowl in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to a heating container. The heating bowl may be used as part of a hookah, or it may be used in other applications. One advantage of this heating bowl is the ability to draw a greater quantity of smoke with each inhalation by the user.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4 , a heating bowl is shown generally at 10. The heating bowl 10 can comprise an outer wall 12 and an inner wall 20. The outer wall 12 can be separated from the inner wall 20 creating a chamber 14 between the outer wall and the inner wall wherein the inner wall 20 can comprise a side portion 28, and a bottom portion 26. A top portion can substantially connect the outer wall 12 to the inner wall 20 creating the chamber 14. An extension 22 can protrude from the bottom portion 26 of the inner wall 20 wherein a cavity 24 can be defined within the heating bowl 10 by the inner wall 20 and the extension. The outer wall 12 can be generally round, but can be any shape, for example, square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal or the like. The extension 22 can vary in protrusion size and shape, wherein the extension can be, for example, the same height as the bottom portion 26, or the same height as the top portion, substantially taller than the top portion, or substantially in between the bottom portion and the top portion. In certain embodiments the extension 22 may protrude past the top portion or the extension can be omitted.

In embodiments, the cavity 24 can substantially be the same shape as the outer wall 12 which can be generally round, but can be any shape, for example, geometric, horseshoe, ovular, circular, hexagonal, and the like. The inner wall 20 and extension 22 can comprise a plurality of holes 34 wherein the holes can be evenly spaced or sporadically spaced and can be the same size or vary in shape and size. The holes 34 can be through holes and can allow for smoke to enter the chamber 14 from the cavity 24. The holes 34 can be on the extension 22. The inner wall 20 can further comprise a plurality of protrusions 25 that vary in size and shape. The protrusions 25 can extend from the inner wall and can be such as, for example, dome, square, rectangular, or the like. The protrusions 25 can push the tobacco away from the inner wall 20 allowing more air flow through the tobacco and into the holes. The protrusions 25 can be integral to the inner wall 20 or can be attached to the inner wall by such as, for example, adhesive, fasteners, snaps, or the like.

In certain embodiments, the holes 34 can comprise a filter (not shown) wherein the filter can keep tobacco in the cavity 24 and out of the chamber 14 wherein the filter can be, for example, plastic cellulose acetate fiber, activated charcoal, cotton, nylon, cloth, or the like.

In embodiments, the outer wall 12 can gradually decrease in size as it narrows or tapers down to a stem 18 and the stem hole 16 where a stem 18 or stem grommet (not shown) can be connected to the vase 38 by the vase stem 33 as shown in FIG. 5 . The inner wall 20 shape can have the substantially same shape as the outer wall 12. The outer wall 12 can transfer into and can define a stem 18 of the heating bowl 10. The stem 18 may encircle the chamber 14 such that the stem 18 can be partially hollow wherein the stem can have a bottom 19 that transitions into a second inner wall 27. The second inner wall 27 can have a plurality of second holes 29 wherein the second holes can be evenly or unevenly spaced or be the same size or different size. The second inner wall 27 can partially seal the chamber 14. The stem hole 16 can be configured to connect the heating bowl 10 through a stem to a vase 28. The heating bowl 10 can be manufactured from, for example, metal, glass, clay, porcelain, silicone, plastic, or combinations of the above.

The tobacco can be such as, for example, tobacco, shisha, herbs, cannabis, dried fruits, honey, molasses, any mixture or combination of these, or the like, may be used within the heating bowl 10. The shisha can be placed into the cavity 24 and the plurality of holes 34 can be configured such that the tobacco may be surrounded by the plurality of holes 34 and the protrusions 25. The tobacco may be heated by a variety of methods, such as, for example, a heating element such as charcoal, electrical heating, or an open flame. The heating bowl 10 can be covered with a lid (not shown) wherein the lid can be, for example, a piece of foil paper, or the like, having multiple holes. One or more pieces of hot charcoal can be placed on top of the foil paper to heat the tobacco within the heating bowl 10 without making direct contact with the tobacco. As the tobacco is heated, it generates smoke within the cavity 24 which can be pulled through the holes 34 when the user sucks on a mouthpiece 34 as shown in FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , the heating bowl 10 is shown on a stem 30 and a vase 38. The neck 18 can be connected to a stem 30 directly or through a grommet wherein the heating bowl can be secured in place on the stem. The stem 30 can be a hollow tube which connects the heating bowl 10 to a vase 38. The vase 38 can contain a liquid 40 wherein the liquid can comprise water 40. The end of the stem 30 typically reaches below the surface of the liquid 40. The vase 28 can comprise a hose connector (not shown) which can removably connect a hose 42 to the vase 28 wherein the hose can be, for example, a flexible hollow hose. The hose connector (not shown) can connect the hose 42 at a level that can be substantially higher than the liquid 40.

The hose 42 distal end can have the mouthpiece 36 attached to it for the user to suck the air out of the vase 38 causing a vacuum or negative pressure on the heating bowl 10 wherein the holes 26 can allow for consistent and even draw on the shisha. The negative pressure causes the smoke to be drawn from the cavity 24, through the plurality of holes 34, and into the chamber 14. The smoke in the chamber 14 is drawn down the stem 33 through the stem hole 32 and into the liquid where it is filtered and cooled. The filtered and cooled smoke rises into the upper part of the vase 38. The smoke is now available for inhalation by the user through the mouthpiece 34.

The amount of smoke available in the vase 38 for inhalation by the user is directly related to the amount of smoke available in the chamber 14, which, in turn, is related to the placement and number of holes 34 in the inner wall 20 and extension 22. The plurality of holes 34 placed such that it surrounds the tobacco allows for a greater quantity of smoke to pass into the chamber 14, which ultimately allows for a greater quantity of smoke available for inhalation by the user. Additionally, the plurality of holes 34 allows for the tobacco to burn consistently within the cavity 24 as the user draws the smoke into the vase 38.

FIGS. 6 a-6 b shows other embodiments of the heating container. FIG. 6 a shows a geometrically shaped outer wall 12, inner wall 20, and extension 22. FIG. 6 b shows a peninsular shaped extension 22. The peninsular shaped extension comprises the bottom 26 portion of the inner wall 20 and a portion of the side portion 28 of the inner wall 20 extruding into the cavity 24, creating a generally horseshoe-shaped cavity. The extension 22 may be other shapes not pictured, such as, for example, cylindrical, hexagonal, square, mound, or the like. Additionally, the heating bowl 10 may comprise multiple extensions 22.

Referring back to FIG. 2 b . in certain embodiments, the outer wall 12 may be integral with the inner wall 20, or they may be separate pieces. Similarly, the inner wall 10 may be integral with the extension 22, or they may be separate pieces. The outer wall 12 may be comprised of a first material. The inner wall 10 may be comprised of a second material. The extension 22 may be comprised of a third material. The first, second, and third materials may be any heat-resistant material, such as, for example, metal, glass, clay, porcelain, silicone, plastic, or combinations of the above. The first, second, and third materials may be the same material, different materials, or any combinations of materials.

In other embodiments, the heating bowl 10 may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be integrated within the heating bowl, or it may be on the exterior or interior of the cavity 24 of the heating container.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heating bowl for holding tobacco comprising: a chamber defined by an outer wall and an inner wall wherein the inner wall has a bottom portion and a side portion wherein the outer wall is connected to the inner wall by a top portion; an extension protruding from the bottom portion of the inner wall wherein a cavity is defined within the heating bowl by the inner wall and the extension; a plurality of holes located in the inner wall and the extension wherein a negative pressure in the chamber will draw a smoke from the cavity into the chamber through the holes.
 2. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the outer wall can transfer into and define a stem.
 3. The heating bowl of claim 2, wherein the stem partially encircles the chamber such that the stem is partially hollow having a bottom that transitions into a second inner wall.
 4. The heating bowl of claim 3, wherein the second inner wall has a plurality of second holes.
 5. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the extension is substantially or partially the bottom portion of the inner wall.
 6. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is integral with the inner wall.
 7. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is a separate piece from the inner wall.
 8. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the heating bowl comprises of clay.
 9. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is composed of a different material than the inner wall.
 10. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the extension is separate from the inner wall.
 11. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the extension is composed of a different material than the inner wall.
 12. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein a generally ring-shaped cavity is formed between the extension and the side portion of the inner wall.
 13. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the extension is mound shaped, funnel shaped, or geometrically shaped.
 14. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the cavity is essentially round, ovular, or geometrically shaped.
 15. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the heating bowl is a part of a water pipe.
 16. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the heating bowl is configured to be heated by an open flame.
 17. The heating bowl of claim 1, wherein the heating bowl further comprises a heating element to heat the cavity. 